Starbucks

May 5, 2003

CAMERA is frequently questioned about the veracity of urban legends circulating on the internet and elsewhere. The following is an example of one of the many rumors that have surfaced since September 11, 2001. For more on urban myths, check out www.snopes.com.

RUMOR:Starbucks closed its outlets in Israel because the corporation is anti-Israel.

AS SEEN ON THE INTERNET 2003:This article is 100% true. For verification, or to voice your opinion of their decision, you can call starbuck’s international at: 1-800-STARBUCPLEASE READ THE ARTICLE BELOW AND THEN PASS THIS ON….It is time for all Americans to boycott Starbucks Coffee

Spread the word on this. They are stopping business relations with Israel, because like so many companies, people, and leaders in the world, they do not have the moral values or courage needed to do otherwise. Add this to the fact that Starbucks does tons of business in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, as well as other radical Arab countries who are working to destroy America. Where they will not pull out of and it makes it clear their stand is with the enemies of Israel and of America. Standing is something that takes moral value and courage today. And their stand indicates the lack of quality of their product. Starbucks has chosen. NOW is the time for us to choose to boycott. Let’s call on everyone we can to boycott Starbucks. Spread the word. Read the article below: [deleted text of “Starbucks Pulls Out of Israel,” a 12 April 2003 Associated Press article by Helen Jung] .

TRUTH:While Starbucks did close its stores in Israel, it did so for business, not political, reasons. According to Barbara Mikkelson of snopes.com, “the most likely reasons for the retreat were Starbucks’ difficulties in dealing with its Israeli partner and the underperformance of their six stores.” For more information, see Mikkelson’s full article at http://www.snopes.com/politics/israel/starbucks.asp .